Hydro problem on Exmark

I have a 3 year old Metro 48" w/ a 14hp kawi and the hydros slip really bad until the unit warms up for about 4 minutes and then it works fine. Do you guys have any idea what could be doing that? Are the hydros going out or is there an easy fix?

How often do u change the oil in the hydros?, sounds like you mite need to replace some internal filters, better get a pro`s opinion on this. I blew a hydro on my gravely ztr rite at the start of the season and it cost me $ 1600 to get a new one . when i tryed to buy some filters there were none in stock in the U.S or canada so eaton had to make some for me. if u start to look inside them they can get complicated just DO NOT LOSE ANYTHING. make shure that u dont knock the planitaries out of their housing if u do try get them back in like thae way they came out.

Josh You say it slips, when it is doing this does it whine ?
If it is whining you have an air leak, as it sits the air bubbles
all gather in one spot and cause an air pocket. I takes a few minutes for them to be purged thru the hydro tank.

Look on the low pressure side of the system ( smaller hoses)
they suck air in, but they rarely leak fluid. Take the spring clamps
off the hoses and install screw type clamps in their place.

It may take several minutes for all the air to work its way out.

If no whine check the swivel on the hydro belt sometimes they will freeze up and cause problems.

Change hydro filters every 250 hours and use Mobil 15 W 50
oil and you should be ok.

I have been changing fluid about once a year with a new filter. It doesn't make any noise really, it just slips real bad and won't real move much until it warms up and then it works fine. I checked for leaks and I couldn't find any. How many hours can I expect to get out of these and what are the signs that they are going out?

I appreciate all of you help. I will go through the machine again tommorow and let you guys know what happens. It's three year old and has about 750 hours on it so if you are getting 2500 then I should be ok. It's possible there is a air leak, it just isn't making any noticeable noises. Should I replace the hoses too or just try the clamp idea. Also, I have a 14hp Kawi, do you guys know of any engines that will bolt right up, that have more power? I am looking for a 17 or 18 hp motor to upgrade the machine this winter. Thanks for the replies, they help allot.

If its a hydro it has to be a Viking or a TURF TRACER and a 17 or 15 Kawi will fit on each without much trouble you will have to run another cable for the choke, but all the safety wires will hook up. Just be careful about the muffler discharge tubes.